Applicator Having an Applicator Blade

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an applicator, and in particular a cosmetic applicator ( 1 ), for applying a cosmetic to the skin, comprising an applicator element and a handle ( 5 ) or handle attachment ( 5   a,    5   b,    5   c ), wherein the applicator element is an applicator blade ( 2 ) having two main surfaces ( 3, 4 ), wherein the handle ( 5 ) or handle attachment ( 5   a,    5   b,    5   c ) extends from one of the main surfaces ( 4 ) of the applicator blade and the applicator blade ( 2 ) protrudes beyond the handle or handle attachment on at least three sides, better on all sides, and the distal main surface ( 3 ) of the applicator blade ( 2 ) spans a plane (E) that forms an acute angle (W) of at least 20°, or greater, with the longitudinal axis L of the handle ( 5 ) or handle attachment ( 5   a,    5   b,    5   c ).

The invention relates to an applicator or cosmetic applicator according to the preamble to claim 1.

Many embodiments of such applicators are known.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In the present case, the object of the invention is to create an applicator that allows a particularly good treatment of the region of the skin area between the eyebrow and the border of the eyelashes.

THE ATTAINMENT ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

This object is attained with the features of claim 1.

An applicator or cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic to the skin is proposed, having an applicator device, a handle, and preferably a wand that connects the applicator device and the handle to each other.

The applicator according to the invention features the fact that the applicator device is an applicator blade that is generally oriented perpendicular to the wand and has two main surfaces.

In this case, the wand or wand attachment protrudes from the proximal main surface, i.e. the one oriented toward the handle of the applicator blade.

The distal main surface of the applicator blade, i.e. the one oriented away from the handle, defines a plane. In the unstressed state, i.e. the one that involves no influence by the forces that occur during the application, this plane encloses an acute angle of at least 35° with the longitudinal axis L of the wand or wand attachment. In the overwhelming number of cases, the distal main surface is flocked.

The applicator blade protrudes beyond the wand or wand attachment in a freely projecting fashion on at least three sides or better still, four sides.

The distance by which the applicator blade protrudes beyond the wand or wand attachment on three sides (e.g. left, right, and to the front with the tip) or four sides usually protrudes on each side by ⅓ the diameter of the wand attachment or much better still, by at least ½ the diameter. This means that the applicator blade protrudes beyond the wand or wand attachment on at least three sides not just by “a little,” but instead by a significant amount.

Preferably, the applicator blade, measured in the unflocked state, is embodied as thin-walled. Ideally, in its region protruding beyond the wand attachment or wand, it has a thickness of at most 0.7 mm or better still, at most 0.5 mm, measured perpendicular to the plane that is defined by the distal main surface of the applicator blade.

With the aid of the measures mentioned above, it is possible to vary the resilience of the applicator blade over a broad range. With such an applicator, it is thus possible for the first time to produce an applicator blade that has a significantly more noticeable inherent flexibility under the influence of the forces that occur during the application. In this case, the inherent flexibility is preferably set so that in the place where it protrudes beyond the wand or wand attachment, the edge of the applicator blade can in any case be displaced by more than 1.5 mm under the influence of the forces that occur during the application solely due to the intrinsic deformation of the applicator blade.

The lateral edges of the applicator blade are no longer perceived as an edge that cuts into the skin during the application, but rather as a resilient surface, which, during the application, fits snugly against the part of the skin that is being treated.

In this way, the distal main surface provides a large application surface. First, a large quantity of cosmetic can be stored on this surface, which can then be effectively applied to the part of the skin that is to be treated.

PARTICULARLY ADVANTAGEOUS EMBODIMENT TYPES OF THE INVENTION

It has turned out to be particularly advantageous not only if the applicator blade is embodied to be intrinsically flexible, but also if it is simultaneously secured to the wand or wand attachment with the interposition of a hinge. The term “hinge” here is understood from a functional standpoint. The term refers to a device that permits a pivoting of the entire applicator blade under the influence of the forces that occur during proper application—in the sense that at least in some places, the edge of the distal main surface is displaced by more than 1 mm due to the pivoting of the applicator blade as a whole.

It has turned out to be particularly feasible if the applicator blade is connected to the wand or wand attachment by an intermediate piece, which is entirely or partly composed of a softer plastic than the adjacent wand or wand attachment (and preferably also the applicator blade). This makes it possible for the entire applicator blade to be pivoted as a unit or decisively promotes this ability.

Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that the applicator blade has at least one tip. A “tip” is understood to be a region of the applicator blade at which two narrow sides of the applicator blade meet and, viewed in the circumference direction, transition into each other with a rounding whose curvature radius is less than 3 mm. Ideally, the two sides of the applicator blade meet by transitioning into each other so as to form an edge.

Such a tip makes it possible not only to use the cosmetic applicator in an efficient application over a large area, but also to draw very fine lines or perform an application only in points.

Ideally, the tip is embodied at the place where the plane defined by the applicator blade has the greatest angle to the longitudinal axis L of the wand or wand attachment. In this way, the tip is embodied at the place where the rim of the applicator blade is situated the greatest distance from the wand or wand attachment. This facilitates precise work with the tip since in this way, even slight rotating movements of the wand around its longitudinal axis produce a large pivoting movement and since the view of the tip is not obstructed by the wand or wand shoulder situated farther away from it.

In an approach that has turned out to be particularly advantageous, the applicator blade is produced out of a preferably flexible plastic and is designed so that as it passes through a stripper, the applicator blade can fold or bend over by at least 70° at its edges and after passing through the stripper, can then immediately once again resume its original position that it has in the unstressed state.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible to design the applicator blade to be hard and nonflexible so that when the applicator blade passes through it, the stripper is deformed more than the applicator.

In many cases, such an embodiment is the only thing that makes the applicator according to the invention practically usable in the first place. This is because it permits a stripper to be provided, which frees the wand attachment or wand of the cosmetic that is adhering to it. In this case, there is no danger of the applicator blade, with its regions that protrude laterally beyond the wand or wand attachment, getting caught on the stripper lip because these regions are indeed embodied—preferably through an appropriate choice of the material and an appropriate thickness—so that they collapse when the stripper lip acts on them.

Other effects, advantages, and possible embodiments of the invention ensue from the following description of the various embodiments and their variation possibilities, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the typical application for cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 1a shows how a whole cosmetic applicator according to the invention can look.

FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention with a side view of the applicator blade.

FIG. 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention with a front view of the applicator blade.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows that the distal main surface of the cosmetic applicators according to the invention can be flat.

FIG. 7 shows that the distal main surface of the applicators according to the invention can be outwardly curved in convex fashion like a pillow.

FIG. 8 shows how the applicators according to the invention can be varied by incorporating a reinforcing rib.

FIG. 9 shows a first variant of a hinge for use with the cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a second variant of a hinge for use with the cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a third variant of a hinge for use with the cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a fourth variant of a hinge for use with the cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth variant of a hinge for use with the cosmetic applicators according to the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a modification for the sixth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Purpose of the Cosmetic Applicators According to the Invention

FIG. 1 shows the cosmetic applicator according to the invention in a typical use. The cosmetic applicator according to the invention is used to apply concealer or color in the sensitive region between the eyebrow and the eyelid. FIG. 1 shows the applicator according to the invention in a particular embodiment including an integrated articulation between the applicator blade and the wand—which will be discussed in greater detail further below.

The Whole Cosmetic Applicator According to the Invention

By and large, the cosmetic applicator according to the invention usually looks like the depiction in FIG. 1a . In this case, the cosmetic applicator itself is composed of an applicator device in the form of the applicator blade 2, a wand 5, and a handle 15. Preferably, the handle 15 simultaneously serves as the stopper for providing a leak-proof closure of the receptacle for the cosmetic that is to be applied. The handle 15 is connected to the applicator blade via the wand 50.

All of the embodiments that are described below can have such a cosmetic applicator.

First Exemplary Embodiment

The wand 50, however, does not have to be embodied of one piece as shown in FIG. 1a . Instead, the wand 50 can have a coupling 6 at a suitable location, by means of which a wand attachment 5, which is an integral component of the applicator blade, can be connected to an additional wand section, which is, for example, an integral component of the handle.

This case is depicted by FIG. 2, which shows the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In this case, the applicator device is embodied as an applicator blade 2. The applicator blade 2, i.e. the plate of which it is composed, has a distal main surface 3 and a proximal main surface 4 as well as a narrow side surface 8. As is apparent, the free surface area of the side surface is smaller than the free surface area of the distal main surface 3 by at least a factor of 3 or better still, by at least a factor of 8.

The distal main surface 3 is available for use as a free, unhindered surface that can be entirely brought into contact with the part of the skin to be treated for the application of the cosmetic. The distal main surface 3 is ideally flocked—which is not graphically depicted here. A flocked surface is able to store significantly more compound than a smooth plastic surface. For particular applications, though, it can also be embodied as an unflocked application-ready plastic surface. For particular applications, it is particularly advantageous for the proximal main surface and the wand attachment to also be flocked.

The proximal main surface 4 is not available for the application of the cosmetic. The wand attachment 5 extends from it, usually at a position that is spaced apart from its edge on all sides, such that the applicator blade 2 protrudes from the wand attachment 5 on at least three sides and preferably all the way around, i.e. on four sides. The amount by which the applicator blade 2 protrudes beyond the wand attachment 5 preferably corresponds to at least one third or better still, at least half the diameter of the wand attachment 5. The wand attachment 5 can be an integral component of the applicator, i.e. connected to it in one piece and made of the same material as it.

The region in which the wand attachment 5 is connected to the applicator blade is generally asymmetrical to the proximal main surface of the applicator blade. This means that the applicator blade protrudes farther from the wand attachment on at least one side than it does on the diametrically opposite side.

The applicator blade 2 in this case is embodied as a flat or essentially flat plate, see FIG. 2.

The greatest dimension LP of this flat plate in the direction parallel to its distal main surface 3 is preferably between 7 mm and 14 mm. The width B of the plate perpendicular thereto is preferably between 5 mm and 9 mm. The thickness D of the applicator blade in the direction perpendicular to the main surface and outside the wand attachment is preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, also see FIG. 2. The applicator blade is then generally flexible in such a way that by means of deformations that are 5/10 mm, it can adapt to the part of the skin that is to be treated. That said, on the other hand, the applicator blade is not so soft that it buckles, thus rendering it no longer suitable for distributing the cosmetic.

As is clearly apparent from FIG. 2, the distal main surface of the applicator blade defines a plane that encloses an acute angle W with the longitudinal axis L of the wand. Preferably, this acute angle W is in the range between 30° and 75°, ideally in the range between 40° and 50°.

In particular, FIG. 3 shows that in this exemplary embodiment, the applicator blade features the fact that its side surface 8 forms only a single tip 7; in particular, a “tip” is understood to be a local region with a curvature radius <3 mm that is part of a curvature in the circumference direction. On both sides of the tip, the side surface initially constitutes a straight flank section 17. The two straight flank sections 17 are connected to each other by a partly circular flank section 18 that generally extends by more than 180°. Preferably, the side surface—apart from the region forming its tip—has a consistently continuous curve.

As is clear from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, the tip 7 is preferably embodied at the place where the plane defined by the distal main surface 3 of the applicator blade 2 encloses the greatest angle V with the longitudinal axis of the wand. The tip 7 of the applicator blade clearly protrudes beyond the entire wand attachment on its entire projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis L—generally not by just to an insignificant degree, but by at least ½ of the diameter of the wand attachment.

Preferably, at the place where it forms the tip 7, the flank 8 of the applicator blade 2 has the greatest distance from the longitudinal axis L of the wand.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 4 shows a modification that is closely related to the first exemplary embodiment. For this reason, statements above regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply to this second exemplary embodiment—if nothing to the contrary is indicated by the differences explained below.

In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator blade 2 is composed of a harder plastic material. A first wand section 5 a composed of a softer plastic material is injection molded onto the applicator blade 2. This first wand section transitions into a second wand section 5 b that is coupled to it by means of a coupling 6 or that is injection molded onto it. The second wand section in turn is made of a harder plastic. In order to provide the molded-on wand section 5 a with the necessary holding force, it can be useful for the applicator blade to have one or more recesses that are filled by the plastic compound of the first wand section as the latter is being injection molded so that a form-fitting anchoring is also achieved.

In this way, the first wand section 5 a constitutes an articulation around which the applicator blade 2 can pivot, and thus when applying makeup, can execute a movement of the kind shown in FIG. 1.

This second exemplary embodiment also differs from the first in that the applicator blade 2, the wand section 5 a, and thus also the wand as a whole, protrude not just on three sides, but on four sides, as has already been mentioned in connection with the first exemplary embodiment. This is because here, the applicator blade also protrudes out from the wand at the place where the plane of its distal main surface encloses the smallest acute angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wand, as is particularly apparent in FIG. 4.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows a third exemplary embodiment, which is closely related to the second exemplary embodiment, in which the applicator blade likewise protrudes from the wand attachment on four sides.

Statements above regarding the first and second exemplary embodiments also apply to this third exemplary embodiment, provided that nothing to the contrary is indicated by the explanations below.

The only difference between the second exemplary embodiment and this third one is that in this third exemplary embodiment, the applicator blade 2 and the wand section 5 a have been produced in one piece from one and the same material.

Another difference here is that the wand attachment transitions into the applicator blade at precisely the place where its diameter increases. As is clearly shown in FIG. 5, the wand attachment transitions into the applicator blade with a rounding or a fluting that curves outward.

Variations of the Above-Described Exemplary Embodiments

FIG. 6 shows that the distal main surface 3 is in fact preferably intrinsically flat, which makes it possible to achieve a very efficient application over a large area. Apart from this, that which has been said with regard to the above-described exemplary embodiments applies here as well.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment for the distal main surface 3.

In this case, the distal main surface 3 is not intrinsically flat, but instead protrudes outward in a convex fashion. It is then embodied in the form of a pillow.

Even if the distal main surface is not flat but convex, it can still define an imaginary plane, which encloses an angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wand. This plane is the plane that can be defined by the section of the applicator blade when its cross-section is at its maximum, as shown in FIG. 7.

The same analogously applies to the variants that are conceivable in other special cases in which the distal main surface is embodied as recessed in concave fashion.

FIG. 8 shows another possible variation for the exemplary embodiments that have already been mentioned above.

FIG. 8 shows that it can be particularly advantageous to provide a reinforcing rib 9. The reinforcing rib 9 is preferably a flat, essentially triangular shape with two large main surfaces and one narrow side surface.

The reinforcing rib 9 connects the wand section 5 a to the proximal main surface of the applicator blade 2. The reinforcing rib is preferably provided on the side on which the applicator blade 2 protrudes the farthest beyond the wand section 5 a. In this case, the reinforcing rib 9 is positioned mostly in a plane in which the angle between the plane—which is defined by the distal main surface 3—and the longitudinal axis L of the wand is at its greatest. In a manner that is not shown in the drawings but is useful for some applications, a plurality of reinforcing ribs can be provided, which connect the wand attachment and the applicator blade in different non-parallel planes and thus support the applicator blade in different locations, e.g. at the 9 o'clock position, the 12 o'clock position, and the 3 o'clock position, if the single tip of the applicator blade is at the 12 o'clock position.

In this way, the reinforcing rib 9 provides the applicator blade 2 with optimal support. The lateral edges of the applicator blade 2 remain flexible so that they exhibit a comfortable application behavior. This design merely prevents the region between the wand section 5 a and the tip 7 of the applicator blade 2, which protrudes beyond the wand section 5 by a large distance, from being excessively bent and therefore flexing too early, before it is possible to exert the pressure that is necessary for the efficient application of cosmetic.

As has been touched upon above, it is particularly advantageous if the applicator blade 2 is connected to the wand section by means of an articulation. The articulation can be embodied in various ways. This constitutes a further variation possibility for the exemplary embodiments described at the beginning.

A first possibility has already been mentioned in connection with FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 constitutes an alternative to that which is disclosed in FIG. 4.

In this case, the applicator blade is injection molded out of a harder plastic and a first wand section 5 a is injection molded onto the applicator blade out of the same plastic. Between this first wand section 5 a and a third wand section 5 c there is a second wand section 5 b composed of a softer plastic, whereas the third wand section 5 c is likewise composed of a hard plastic. In this way, the second wand section 5 b constitutes the necessary articulation and enables the mobility of the applicator blade 2.

In this case, the first wand section 5 a and the third wand section 5 c can have an internal connection or “core,” for example a film hinge, which is flexible and which is encased by the softer plastic compound of the second wand section. This simplifies the manufacturing significantly since the applicator blade, the first wand section, and the third wand section do not have to be produced as separate parts that must then be joined together with the aid of the plastic compound of the second wand section 5 b; instead, a one-piece production is possible from the outset.

An alternative to this that can also be used for all of the exemplary embodiments is shown in FIG. 10.

Here once again, a first wand section 5 a is injection molded directly onto the applicator blade 2. It is followed by a second wand section 5 b. The latter has a plurality of constrictions 10 and is adjoined by a third wand section 5 c. Because of the constrictions, the second wand section 5 b in this case constitutes an articulation. This is true even if both the applicator blade 2 and the first through third wand sections 5 a through 5 c are all composed of the same plastic material and have been preferably produced by integral injection molding.

The articulation according to FIG. 11 constitutes an alternative to the articulation according to FIG. 10. The articulation according to FIG. 11 is distinguished by the fact that the second wand section 5 b that connects the first wand section 5 a and the third wand section 5 c to each other is a single recess.

FIG. 12 shows another alternative for such an articulation. In this case, the second wand section 5 b constitutes a narrowing, which is embodied in the form of a ball. In this way, there is a sharp indentation at the respective transitions to the first wand section 5 a and third wand section 5 c at the edges of the ball and as a result, there is a high degree of flexibility so that this articulation permits a very effective bending.

An even more effective bending is permitted by the articulation alternatively shown in FIG. 13. In this case, the second wand section 5 b is accordion-shaped, i.e. is embodied in the form of a plurality of plates, which are connected to one another at an outside, thus yielding a plurality of bending springs connected in succession. These are in turn adjoined by the first wand section 5 a and third wand section 5 c, as shown in FIG. 13. The in this case two, but preferably three or four, bending spring-like plate elements, which are connected to one another here and comprise the second wand section 5 b, enable a powerful spring action. It is particularly advantageous to embody the articulation in such a way that the applicator blade can be pivoted only around one axis. This is the case, for example, if the articulation is implemented in the form of two recesses or thin points or indentations in the wand, which are situated diametrically opposite each other on the wand, thus providing the applicator blade with a pivot axis that extends through the 9 o'clock position and 3 o'clock position if the tip of the wand is imagined to be at the 12 o'clock position. Otherwise, an articulation can alternatively be provided by providing a bore in the wand, which bore accommodates the coupling element of the wand attachment with play, because the bore of the wand has a slightly greater diameter than the coupling section.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 14 shows another exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention. The principle is the same as in the first two exemplary embodiments so that statements above regarding those exemplary embodiments can also be applied to this one. The above-described modification possibilities can also be used for this additional exemplary embodiment.

The difference lies in the embodiment of the applicator blade 2. The applicator blade 2 in this case is embodied as rhomboid and has a total of four tips 11 through 14. The tips can be used to work in different ways because they are not all symmetrical. The applicator blade exhibits the same application behavior only in the region of the tips 12 and 14, which are formed by the side surfaces 8 that meet each other at an obtuse angle. The two other tips at which the side surfaces 8 preferably meet each other at an acute angle exhibit a different application behavior.

This is because the tip 11 is situated on the side of the wand at which the plane in which the applicator blade 2 lies encloses an obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wand, while the other tip 13 is situated on the side at which the plane in which the applicator blade 2 lies encloses an acute angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wand.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 15 shows another exemplary embodiment. That which has been stated with regard to the above-described exemplary embodiments and their variation possibilities applies analogously here as well.

The only difference here is that the applicator blade 2 does not have only one tip or four tips, but instead has three.

The sides 8 that each form a tip are preferably curved outward in convex fashion.

Ideally, one of the three tips is situated on the side on which the plane defined by the distal main surface 3 of the applicator blade 2 encloses the greatest angle relative to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator wand.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 16 shows another exemplary embodiment. This is preferably an applicator of a general sort. This applicator is closely related to the first exemplary embodiment so that above statements in this regard preferably also apply to this sixth exemplary embodiment, provided that nothing to the contrary is required by its special embodiments.

In this instance, the applicator can have a wand 5, which transitions, for example, into a cap 21 for a receptacle 22.

The cap can be screwed or pressed against the dispensing opening of the receptacle 22 in a sealed fashion.

The compound that is kept stored in the receptacle 22 is dispensed via the internal supply line 23 to the distal main surface 3 of the applicator—for example by squeezing the receptacle 22 or by squeezing a cylinder/plunger piston with or without a built-in mixer. This means that the applicator does not have to be dipped and it is instead possible to continuously dispense new compound from the receptacle to the applicator even though the latter remains in constant contact with the surface onto which the compound is to be applied.

As is apparent from the drawing, the internal supply line passes all the way through the applicator, i.e. the internal supply line 23 has a first opening 24 at the receptacle end and a second opening 25 at essentially the opposite end on the distal main surface 3. The flow therefore passes through the internal supply line 23 in one direction from opening to opening.

In order to improve the distribution of the compound that is dispensed at the distal main surface 3 via the opening 25, it can be useful to provide the distal main surface with a so-called profiling, see FIG. 17.

This is understood to be comprised by recessed regions 26, preferably in the form of channels that are open at a circumference end and through which the flow passes in one direction under the influence of a pressure difference, said channels being embedded in the surface of the distal main surface 3. Via these channels, the compound that is dispensed via the opening 25 can be conveyed farther, parallel to the distal main surface 3 and into the surrounding regions of the distal main surface 3 before traveling into the gap between the surface regions of the distal main surface 3 situated next to the channels and the surface region to which the application is to be made and then undergo the actual application process, i.e. for example be worked into the surface that is to be treated.

Preferably, these recessed regions 26 are arranged in a star shape; they then consequently extend in different directions away from the opening 25 and toward the edge of the distal main surface 3. The recessed regions can be embodied as actual channels, with a channel bottom and two longitudinal channel side walls that are preferably oriented essentially (possibly +/−25°) perpendicular to the distal main surface 3, and a channel end that is open in the direction toward the opening 25. The other channel end at the outer edge of the distal main surface 3 can either be open, as shown in FIG. 17, or closed. The latter forces the compound—at least at the end of the channel—to travel into the gap between the respective surface region of the distal main surface 3 the surface on which it is to be applied.

It should also absolutely be noted that this variant is not necessarily limited to the applicator design according to FIGS. 1 through 3, but can correspondingly also be used in the other exemplary embodiments. This also applies to the elastic “articulation” that can serve to connect the applicator to the wand. The internal supply line 23 can pass through this as well.

It should also be noted that it is advantageous, but not absolutely necessary, for the distal main surface 3 to be connected to the receptacle via a one-piece wand 5. Instead, the internal supply line 23 can also open out at the coupling piece of the coupling 6 that is molded onto the applicator in order—once the play is mounted, to then communicate with an internal supply line on its interior.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

-   1 cosmetic applicator -   2 applicator blade -   3 distal main surface -   4 proximal main surface -   5 wand -   5 a first wand section, simultaneously also referred to as wand     attachment -   5 b second wand section -   5 c third wand section -   6 coupling -   7 tip of the applicator blade -   8 flank -   9 stabilizer rib -   10 constriction -   11 tip -   12 tip -   13 tip -   14 tip -   15 handle -   16 not assigned -   17 straight flank section -   18 circular flank section -   19 hinge -   20 intermediate piece composed of soft plastic -   21 cap for the receptacle -   22 receptacle -   23 internal supply line -   24 first opening -   25 second opening -   26 recessed region -   LP greatest dimension of the applicator blade parallel to the distal     main surface 3 -   W acute angle -   V obtuse angle -   L longitudinal axis -   E plane defined by the distal main surface -   D thickness of the applicator blade 

1. An applicator and in particular a cosmetic applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic to the skin, having an applicator device and a wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a, 5 b, 5 c), characterized in that the applicator device is an applicator blade (2) with two main surfaces (3, 4) and the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) extends from one of the main surfaces (4) of the applicator blade and the applicator blade (2) protrudes beyond the wand or wand attachment on at least three sides or better still, on all sides, and the distal main surface (3) of the applicator blade (2) defines a plane (E), which forms an acute angle (W) of at least 20° or more with the longitudinal axis L of the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a, 5 b, 5 c).
 2. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition to its applicator device, the cosmetic applicator has a handle and a wand (5) that connects the applicator device and the handle to each other,
 3. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the acute angle (W) is at most 75°.
 4. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is embodied as thin-walled and in its region that protrudes beyond the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a), the cosmetic applicator preferably has a thickness (D) of at most 0.7 mm or better still, at most 0.5 mm.
 5. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regions of the applicator blade (2) that protrude laterally beyond the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a) are embodied as flexibly resilient.
 6. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator blade is fastened to the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a) by means of an articulation (19).
 7. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is connected to the wand (5) or another wand section (5 c) by means of an intermediate piece (20), which is composed of a softer plastic than the wand (5) or the additional wand section (5 c) and preferably also the applicator blade (2).
 8. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 7, characterized in that the intermediate piece (20) composed of the softer plastic is injection molded directly onto the applicator blade (2) composed of the harder plastic.
 9. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is connected to the wand (5) or the other wand section (5 c) by means of an intermediate piece (20), which comprises a single or multiple constriction.
 10. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) has at least one tip (7).
 11. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) has only one tip (7) and apart from the tip (7), has a continuous round flank.
 12. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 11, characterized in that on its side diametrically opposite from the tip (7), the round flank on the wand has the smallest curvature radius relative to the circumference direction.
 13. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 11, characterized in that the tip (7) is embodied at the place in which the plane (E) that is defined by the applicator blade (2) has the greatest angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the wand (5).
 14. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to claim 11, characterized in that at the place where it forms the tip (7) of the applicator blade (2), the side surface (8) of the applicator blade (2) has the greatest distance from the longitudinal axis (L) of the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a) and preferably at the place where it has its smallest curvature radius relative to the circumference direction, has its smallest distance from the longitudinal axis (L) of the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a).
 15. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is embodied in the form of a triangular towel.
 16. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is embodied in the form of a rhombus.
 17. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reinforcing rib (9) is positioned between the applicator blade (2) and the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a).
 18. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizer rib (9) is positioned in the plane in which the angle between the plane (E), which is defined by applicator blade (2), and the longitudinal axis (L) of the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a) is at its greatest.
 19. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal main surface (3) of the applicator blade (2) is flocked.
 20. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal main surface (3) of the applicator blade (2) is flat.
 21. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal main surface (3) of the applicator blade (2) preferably outwardly curved in convex fashion across its entire surface.
 22. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of claims 1 through 4 or 6 through 18, characterized in that the applicator blade (2) is produced from a preferably flexible plastic and/or as thin-walled so that as it passes through a stripper, the applicator blade (2) can fold or its section that protrudes laterally beyond the wand or wand attachment can bend over by at least 60°.
 23. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that beyond the wand (5) or wand attachment (5 a), the applicator blade (2) has a thickness (D) of no more than 1 mm or better still, no more than 0.5 mm between its two main surfaces (3, 4).
 24. The applicator, in particular cosmetic applicator (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator has an internal supply line, which opens out into the distal main surface and can dispense the compound that is to be applied into the region of the distal main surface (3).
 25. A cosmetic unit having a cosmetic applicator (1) composed of a cosmetic applicator (1) and a cosmetic receptacle, which contains a supply of the cosmetic, as well as a stripper and in its ready position, the applicator device of the cosmetic applicator dips into the cosmetic receptacle and in this case, the handle of the applicator is secured to the cosmetic receptacle in such a way that it closes the latter in a sealed fashion and the applicator can be brought into its use position by pulling the applicator device out of the cosmetic receptacle through the stripper, characterized in that the cosmetic applicator (1) is a cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 through
 23. 26. An application unit composed of an applicator according to claim 24 and a receptacle in which a compound that is to be applied is stored and from which compound that is to be applied can be fed into the applicator via a first opening of the supply line inside the applicator in order to then be dispensed from the supply line to the distal main surface (3) of the applicator via an opposing second opening of the supply line. 